The Ulster Volunteers were formed in response to the Home Rule bill of April 1912 and the Covenant signed in September 1912, first by Edward Carson and then by almost half a million others. Guns were smuggled into Larne on the Clyde Valley in April 1914 but the advent of the World War saw the volunteers instead joining the British Army, specifically the 36th (Ulster) Division, and went over the top at the Somme.
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2000 Paddy Duffy (no date given)
T01189
These two murals are side-by-side in Blythe Street.
On the left, a particularly violent rejection of the peace-process: “they arose in the dark days to defend our native land for God and Ulster”, “And when the Lord thy God shall deliver them before thee, though shalt smite them and utterly destroy them, thou shalt make no covenant with them nor show mercy unto them – Deuteronomy 7 verse 2”.
On the right, a UVF roll of honour: “In memory of fallen comrades. Lest we forget. John Hanna, Billy Millar, Noel Little, Bunter Davidson, Billy Stewart, Davy McNaught, Sammy Mehaffy, Dicky Richardson [later removed], Geordie Norris [later added]. Their duty demanding, their courage outstanding. Here lies a soldier, murdered by the enemies of Ulster.”
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 1997 Paddy Duffy
T00254 T0255
Homage to the 36th (Ulster) Division and the Ulster Volunteers/YCV. The UVF emblem is cut off at either end.
St Patrick’s Walk, east Belfast
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 1997 Paddy Duffy
T00249 [T00256]
Paddy Duffy Collection 